Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday Posted by Professor Marshall

Title: Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday

Author: Judith Viorst

Illustrator: Ray Cruz

Recommended Grade Level: 2

Common Core Mathematics Standards Addressed:
2.OA.1- Represent and solve problems involving addition and subtraction
2.MD.8- Work with time and money

Summary: This story is about a young boy named Alexander who has a hard time saving and even keeping money. In the story, Alexander's grandparents gave him a dollar -- and that made him feel rich. There were so many things that he could do with all of that money! For example, he could buy as much gum as he wanted, or even a walkie-talkie, if he saved enough. But somehow the money began to disappear because Alexander just HAD to buy several different things.

Rating: ***** I highly recommend this book as it has several important mathematical connections for students. The story provides a real-life mathematical problem for students to relate to. For example, the ideas of saving and spending money are key ideas in the story. The story is funny and is relatable to students who have siblings.

Classroom Ideas: This book could be used with several mathematical topics including addition, subtraction, budgeting, and money. Students could use money manipulatives to act out how Alexander's money kept disappearing. Students could also keep track of Alexander's spending using repeated subtraction. Students could also compare the prices of items in the book with current prices and make a similar book of their own.